ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to verify through literature review the possible impacts of the use of fire on physical, chemical and biological attributes of soil. In relation to physical attributes, the fire may cause a decrease in the volume of macropores, the size of aggregates, the rate of infiltration of water into the soil and consequently its humidity, and an increase in the resistance to penetration of roots and soil density. Moreover, the soil becomes more susceptible to erosive process due to the removal of its vegetation cover. As for the chemical attributes, many studies focusing on chemical properties have reported an increase in levels of N, P, Ca, Mg, among others mineralized nutrients after the passage of fire because the ashes have high concentrations of those nutrients. Burning also reduces the input of organic matter and therefore alters the carbon cycle, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In relation to biological attributes, the action of flame fire reduces the availability of food (energy supply) for microorganisms, mainly reducing the population of mesofauna soil. In general, from the works reviewed, it appears that both the burning of pastures and natural fields as well as crop residues and forest areas, should be avoided as a routine practice, because in general, it directly or indirectly degrades the soil. However, depending on the situation and the production system, burning may be an option the be considered.
Keywords:
fire; nutrients; soil attributes